A housing scheme which will allow vulnerable people to live more independently has been officially opened in Middlesbrough.

The £1.6m development of 25 homes has been built on the site of the former St Pius Roman Catholic Church in the Park End area of the town.

The development consists of 25 self-contained one, two, three and four bedroom properties.

Affordable housing provider Home Group held a community fun day to provide an opportunity for residents of the Amersham Road complex to get to know their neighbours.

Clowns and balloon modellers entertained residents and to also give a crash course in some of their circus skills.

The complex was opened by MP Tom Blenkinsop and Rachael Byrne, Home Group’s executive director of care and support.

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Labour MP Tom Blenkinsop said: “I’m very proud to have been given the opportunity to open this new complex.

Left to right, Rachael Byrne, Home Group executive director of care and support, Tom Blenkinsop MP and Karen Anderson of the HCA A COMPLEX

“I know the area well as my mam used to work at the nearby school and it’s very pleasing to see what was an empty piece of land turned into a community asset.

“I am certain it will play a valuable role in the future of the local community as well as a positive impact on those individuals it will be directly helping.”

Mrs Byrne said: “I’ve really enjoyed meeting the residents here today and hearing from them about the way this development has improved their quality of life.

“I’ve spoken to some residents who were previously living outside the area because there was a lack of suitable accommodation. This development has enabled them to return to Middlesbrough and be close to their families.

“For others they had been living in residential care homes because there simply wasn’t appropriate accommodation or support available. This development has allowed them to take back their independence.”

The development, partly funded by a £633,000 grant from the Homes and Communities Agency, is staffed 24-hours a day and helps people with conditions ranging from autism and aspergers to those with complex learning or physical disabilities including visual impairment and neurological disorders.